Green Travel

Green Travel 

Tips on how to travel sustainably and eco-friendly.

ETSU’s transportation-related activities are one of the largest contributor to the school’s greenhouse gas emissions and encompasses the following university activities:

  • Fleet Vehicles
  • Faculty and Staff Commuting
  • Student Commuting
  • University Funded Air Travel
  • University Funded Ground Travel
  • Study Abroad

East Tennessee State University students, faculty and staff can offset their commuting footprint by using these alternative means of transportation

  • Carpool with friends
  • Walk or bike when appropriate in our very walkable campus
  • Avoid one stop trips
  • Utilize public transportation when possible
  • Use electrice vehicles if you have and our charging infrastructure

 

Eco-conscious travel tips

 


1. TAKE YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE AND FOOD CONTAINER

One tends to need to have access to water on the go. In many places, tap water is perfectly safe to drink- check with locals. Also consider taking your own container for food. Some places don’t have infrastructure for plastics recycling, and tourism is a major trash generator for local communities.

2. SUPPORT THE LOCAL ECONOMY & CULTURE

Of the millions of dollars spent on tourism, only a fraction help the local economy. To help benefit the local communities:

  • Eat and shop locally
  • Stay in local preferably eco friendly accommodation
  • Travel with local transport providers (where safe)

3. HOTEL TIPS

If you stay in a hotel, there are ways to reduce your impact:

  • Hang up your towels – it’s the universal sign that they don’t need to be washed
  • Leave the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the hotel door to reduce unnecessary washing of linen, vacuuming and the use of other chemicals for cleaning
  • Take your own toiletries (and toothbrush) to reduce the single use hotel bottles


     


4. TRANSPORTATION

Compared with any other mode of transportation, flying produces the most carbon per mile. So, when possible, opt the bus or train – this can also be a great way to do some sightseeing and reduce carbon footprints

If you do have to fly and it’s a long haul, go for a non-stop flight. Not only is it a time saver but a direct flight will always be more fuel efficient.

5. CARBON OFFSET PROGRAMS

If you do need to fly, another means of reducing your flying footprint is to take advantage of a carbon offset program. These programs give passengers the option to invest in carbon reduction projects to help neutralize or reduce their carbon footprint caused by travel.

There are over 30 International Air Transport Association (IATA) member airlines who have introduced a travel offset program.

6. RENEWABLE BIOFUELS

Look for airlines that use renewable biofuels. Biofuels are produced using renewable feedstock such as plant oils, agricultural waste and wood chips. Using renewable biofuel as opposed to fossil fuels can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%. Delta and United currently use a % of biofuel on domestic flights.

 

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